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Bulldogs Battle No. 9 Montana Tech In Nail-Biting 68-66 Road Loss




University of Montana Western Press Release

BUTTE, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (12-10) fell in a close road game to No. 9 Montana Tech (20-2), 68-66, this afternoon.


Jalyn Stepney led the Bulldogs with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers.


How it Happened:

In a tightly contested first half, the Bulldogs and Orediggers traded baskets. Alan Kane opened the scoring for Western, netting five of his seven first-half points early.


The Bulldogs would hold Montana Tech to just 1-of-9 from three-point range and Kyle Gruhler led the rebounding effort with eight, helping UMW out-rebound Tech 20-13 and convert seven second-chance points. Tech would lead 28-27 at the half.



Stepney would score 18 of his 21 points as the teams remained neck and neck, with no lead exceeding five points.


Trailing 64-60 in the final minute, Stepney drilled a three while drawing a foul, sinking the free throw to tie it at 64. Tech quickly regained the lead at 66-64 with 35 seconds left.


Kevin Bethel then drove for a layup to tie the game at 66 with 10 seconds remaining. On the final possession, the Orediggers hit a jumper with 0.6 seconds left to edge out a 68-66 victory.


Notables:

  • Kolter Merritt scored nine points, grabbed five rebounds, went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, and added two assists.

  • Kyle Gruhler recorded a game-high nine rebounds.

  • Nine different Bulldogs scored.

  • Five Bulldogs registered one steal each.


Up Next

The Bulldogs will return home to take on (RV) Rocky Mountain College this Thursday, February 6, with tip-off set for 7 p.m.



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